With all Opposition parties moving court seeking legal intervention, the court directed the State Election Commission (SEC) to issue a fresh extension.

Refusing to accept the plea for online filing, Justice Subrata Talukdar said: "The court can not interfere in the matter as according to the existing laws, the SEC does not have provisions to accept nominations filed online".

On the other hand, Trinamool's district President Annubrata Mondal said Dildar and his family were actively involved with his party for many years and blamed BJP-backed goons from Jharkhand for his death. A total of 16 women have filed nominations as BJP candidates and 12 from JD-S. The court's order came after Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Red Star leader Sharmishtha Chowdhury filed a petition claiming that the party's candidates were not allowed to enter Bhangar block in South 24 Parganas district to file nominations.

Among those who filed their nominations on Tuesday included Chief Minister Siddaramaiah from Badami in Bagalkot district, his second nomination besides Chamundeshwari in Mysuru district. The candidate used the messaging app as they were allegedly prevented from reaching the office designated by armed hooligans.

According to the West Bengal Panchayat Act, 2003, there has to be a gap of at least 21 days between the last date for filing of nominations and the date of polling.

At the same time, the court admitted the CPM's petition alleging contempt of court by the director general of police and the state election commission for not being able to provide adequate security for the filing of nominations on 23 April. TMC formed its Zilla parishad in Birbhum even before the nomination process was complete as barring one, all seats remain uncontested in Birbhum zilla parishad.

Incidentally, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) leadership had, during its meeting with the SEC officials last week, said their main concern was that the panchayat polls were not held during the month of Ramzan or the monsoon. Never before have the opposition parties in the state faced such a situation.